Birmingham bowls club aims to develop facilities

Lord Mayor helps launch £25,000 appeal.

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Ray Hassall was at Erdington Court Bowls Club to help launch a £25,000 development appeal.

The 250 member Club is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year and has initiated a continuing programme of investment in the indoor and outdoor bowls facilities.

In the last three years, the volunteer-run club has already spent over £100,000 in improvements and membership has increased by around 20%.

The club was founded by the Erdington Methodist Church and is still run by a charitable trust. Recently, Chair of the Trust and local dentist Rob Robinson helped to launch the appeal by taking part with other members in the Great Midlands Fun Run in Sutton Coldfield.

He said, “The Club already has excellent facilities, but we are keen not to stand still. We are replacing the indoor heating system in August. Already, we have installed led lighting throughout the indoor arena and added heat saving pvc doors and windows. New signage is in place and repainting work has taken place on the exterior of the building.”

“We are currently repaying loans of over £30,000 whilst also proving for the future renewal of the inside and outside bowling rinks – which is a big strain on a voluntary club.”

“We are keen to refurbish our members lounge and bar, install a new automatic scoreboard on the inside bowling green – and we also wish to develop links with the wider community by encouraging disabled groups and younger people to make use of the facilities. This is particularly important at time when public provision for bowls is being cut and when many pub greens are disappearing.”

“We have a number of sponsorship options open for Companies and individuals wishing to support our appeal.”

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham Councillor Ray Hassall, himself a keen sportsman and who lives in Erdington said, “The club is doing a wonderful job in providing such great facilities for the public. I am here to show my support for their efforts and to urge local companies and individuals to support them.”

Erdington Court Bowls Club will be participating in the Sutton Coldfield Community Games being held at Wyndley Leisure Centre on Saturday/Sunday 11th-12th July. You can try the game for yourself there or contact the club directly.

Any organisation or individual interested in sponsoring the club can contact a representative on 0808 1972 474 or 0121 373 2440. You can also find out more by going to their website at www.erdingtoncourtbowlsclub.com or Facebook: Erdington Court Bowls Club.